TN Guv Ends Customary Address Abruptly, Flays DMK For 'Disrespecting' National Anthem

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi ended his customary address to the House in just a few minutes citing disagreements and slammed the ruling DMK government for 'disrespecting' the National Anthem.

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi ended his customary address to the House in just a few minutes citing disagreements with the government.

Source : ANI

Drama unfolded in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday as Governor RN Ravi refused to read the government-prepared address and concluded within a few minutes citing disagreements with the ruling DMK. He also slammed the Chief Minister MK Stalin-led state government for 'not respecting' the national anthem. The move by the governor was the first in the history of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Before refusing to read the document, he said, "My repeated request and advice to show due respect to the national anthem and play it at the beginning and end of the address has been ignored. This address has numerous passages with which I convincingly disagree on factual and moral grounds. I lending my voice to them would constitute a constitutional travesty. Hence, with respect to the house, I conclude my address. Wish this house a productive and healthy discussion for the good of the people."

Soon after this, Tamil Nadu Speaker M Appavu said, "The Governor didn't read his full speech, but I don't want to blame him. He also said the National Anthem should have been recited. Everyone has opinions, if we say anything it won't be ethical. In this government, the CM, the Ministers and all MLAs treat the Governor with respect irrespective of different opinions."

 

Regarding the protocol concerning the National Anthem, Speaker M Appavu clarified that it is customary to play it at the conclusion of the House session on the day the Governor delivers his address, citing established House rules.

Subsequently, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement alleging that the Tamil Nadu government, under the DMK regime, disregarded Ravi's recommendation to accord proper respect to the national anthem by playing it both at the commencement and conclusion of the Governor's customary address to the Assembly.

The statement further accused the Speaker of launching a verbal attack on the Governor during the Assembly session, labeling him as a 'follower of Nathuram Godse'. Consequently, the Governor chose to exit the House.

Following remarks made by Appavu regarding flood relief for the state, the Governor walked out of the House before the customary playing of the national anthem signaling the conclusion of the day's proceedings.

The House was convened on February 12 by the government for the Governor's customary address to the Assembly.

Earlier in a similar manner, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also ended his customary address abruptly and read out only the last paragraph.